Are Thongs Ruining Your Feet? What You Need to Know

There’s a common belief that thongs are terrible for your feet. But I’m going against the crowd today to say that, in general, thongs are not bad for your feet. In fact, for some people, they can be a fantastic option—sometimes even better than enclosed lace-up shoes.

What Makes Thongs a Good Choice?

• No upper material – With nothing compressing the forefoot or rubbing against the skin, thongs can be a great choice for people with forefoot issues like Morton’s neuroma or bursitis.
• Good cushioning – Thicker thongs such as Archies, often provide excellent heel cushioning, which can help with conditions like plantar fasciitis.
• No heel counter – Without a rigid heel cup pressing against the Achilles tendon, thongs can be a more comfortable option for those dealing with Achilles tendon issues.

Conditions Where Thongs Might Help

• Insertional Achilles tendinopathy
• Plantar fasciitis
• Morton’s neuroma
• Bunion pain caused by footwear rubbing

So, thongs have plenty of benefits—but they’re not perfect. There are some drawbacks that make them unsuitable for certain people or situations.

Why Do People Say Thongs Are Bad for Your Feet?

The main criticism is the lack of support, which some claim leads to clawed toes because your foot is constantly gripping to keep the thong in place.

• Minimal support – Thongs don’t restrict foot movement, which can be good or bad depending on your needs. However, they don’t provide much stability on uneven terrain.
• Delayed movement – Unlike shoes, thongs don’t move perfectly in sync with your foot. As your heel lifts, the thong lags behind slightly, which can make walking feel sloppy and increase the risk of tripping.
• Lack of tread – Many thongs have little to no grip, making them a slipping hazard on wet or uneven surfaces.
• Potential for clawed toes – Because thongs don’t secure to your foot like a shoe, your toes may claw to keep them in place. While some suggest this could lead to muscle imbalances over time, the evidence isn’t conclusive.

The Bottom Line

There’s no such thing as a universally bad shoe—only shoes that are unsuitable for certain situations. Even a top-tier $300 running shoe can be the wrong choice in the wrong context. Thongs are no different.

How to Wear Thongs Safely

• If your feet need extra support, consider a sandal with better fixation instead.
• If you’re at risk of falls, thongs may not be the best option—again, a secure sandal would be a safer choice.
• Stick to firm, even, and dry surfaces when wearing thongs.
• Avoid excessive walking in thongs to reduce the risk of developing clawed toes.
• Choose thongs with a contoured arch and thick cushioning under the heel and forefoot.

If you follow these guidelines, there’s no reason to believe thongs are bad for your feet. If you don’t have a condition requiring supportive footwear, wearing thongs in the right environment for short periods is completely fine. So don’t feel guilty—and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!